It’s big, intrusive and located right at the entrance to the sanctuary. The Holy Family baptismal font is unlike fonts you will find in most other Episcopal churches. It’s built into the ground, so full immersion baptisms can be performed for those who wish. It’s topped by a hammered copper bowl, for infants and adults who’d prefer a “dribble” to a “dunking.”

Most importantly, the baptismal font reminds all, at each entrance to the sanctuary, of the promises made when members are baptized or confirmed as young adults, and reaffirmed each time new members are welcomed into the church through Baptism. Members promise to renounce evil and commit themselves to Christ; believe in the triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer; to resist evil and, when they fall into sin, to repent; to proclaim by word and example the Good News of the risen Lord; to seek and serve all persons, loving neighbors as ourselves; and to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.

Just as the font is front and center in the sanctuary, these promises are front and center in life.